Lately, I haven't been able to work out as much as I'd like, but I haven't given up on getting quality workouts in. On the days that I don't have time to hit the gym, or just want something that challenges me from the jump, I do a quick ab workout. I mix the workouts up all of the time, and one I've really been into — and is surprisingly very challenging — is a quick, three-move bodyweight workout.
You can do it absolutely anywhere, and it only takes six minutes to do! If you're short on time but want to feel your abs instantly light up, give this workout a shot.
How to Do the 6-Minute Ab Workout
Complete each exercise for 30 seconds taking little to no rest in between each move. Once you've completed one round of all the exercises, take a quick break (no longer than 45 seconds) and repeat for a total of three rounds.
- Double leg lift: 30 seconds
- Russian twist: 30 seconds reps
- Elbow side plank: 30 seconds on each side
Double Leg Lift
- Lay flat on the ground with your legs extended straight up toward the ceiling. Place your hands underneath the back of your head. For added stability, Austin recommends laying your arms out to your side, allowing the palms to grip the floor much like you would in a push-up position.
- Pressing your lower back into the ground, slowly lower both legs down toward the floor, then slowly raise them back up. If this is too difficult, lower them as much as you can, or lower one leg at a time.
- Complete for 30 seconds.
Seated Russian Twist
- Sit on the floor with your knees bent. Pull your abs to your spine and lean back a few inches while lifting your feet off the floor. Be sure to keep your back straight.
- Reach your arms out in front of you and twist your torso to the right, then to the left, to complete one rep/rotation.
- If this is too challenging, place your feet on the ground.
- Complete for 30 seconds.
Elbow Side Plank
- Come into an elbow plank position and roll to your right side, allowing your feet to roll too, so you're balancing on the outside of your right foot, stacking your left foot on your right.
- Place your left hand gently behind your head. Press your left inner thigh up into your right inner thigh; this helps stabilise you even more.
- If this is too difficult, perform a side bridge [2].
- Complete for 30 seconds on each side.